Regardless whether receiving financial aid or not, all students can take advantage of the services provided by the Office of Financial Aid. Please refer to the following:
List of Financial Literacy Resources and Services (PDF)
Most students do, however, receive some type of financial aid. Often students receive a combination of scholarships and loans, sometimes with loan programs providing the majority of their financial aid. To minimize borrowing, consider other sources of financial aid:
Outside Administered Aid
Every year, a number of foundations and other organizations offer our students scholarships or low-interest loans. Award amounts and eligibility requirements vary. Details on these scholarships and loans are regularly communicated to current students via e-mail. You can search on your own at any time online. Local medical societies often offer scholarships to medical students, so a good starting point is to check with those in your home town or state. Current students can view a list of external scholarship opportunities on SharePoint.
Service-Related Programs
These are not “scholarships” in the traditional sense, because there may be a significant obligation or condition attached to the award. So, consider carefully what the program will require from you after you graduate and whether your future career options will be enhanced or limited by the commitment.
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program
Full funding for tuition, fees, and related educational expenses in addition to a living expense stipend for two, three, and four-year scholarships. The NHSC is interested only in applicants who intend to practice in a primary-care specialty. In repayment for each year of assistance, after completion of residency training you serve as an officer in the U.S. Public Health Service in a physician-shortage area (minimum of two-year repayment).
The NHSC has a limited number of scholarships to award nationally each year. Find more information.
The Armed Forces Health Profession Scholarship Program
Full funding for tuition, fees, and reimbursement of all mandatory expenses in addition to a living expense stipend. In repayment for each year of assistance, after completion of residency training (military or civilian) you serve as a practicing physician/officer in your branch of the military (minimum of three-year repayment).
For more information about Air Force scholarships, visit their website or call 1-800-GO-GUARD.
For more information about Army scholarships, visit their website or call 1-800-USA-ARMY.
For more information about Navy scholarships, visit their website or call 1-866-NAV-RECR.
Additional Resources
The Joan Harvey, MD, School of Medicine Student Emergency Fund
The Joan Harvey, MD, School of Medicine Student Emergency Fund is designed to provide temporary, short-term financial assistance to students enrolled in the Medical School program who are confronted with unanticipated or emergency financial situations. For details and the application, please visit http://www.medschooldiversity.pitt.edu/student-support-0